Apple Launching 128 GB iPad on 5 February

Available in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+Cellular versions

We were wondering who would be first to release a mobile-processor-based tablet with more than 64 GB of memory. Now it seems that Apple is set to lead the way, announcing a 128 GB version of its iPad 4 that's due to land on 5 February 2013 with prices starting at £639.

Apart from its boosted memory, the 128 GB iPad will be identical to the 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB models of Apple's iPad 4 that launched in autumn 2012. It therefore uses the same A6X processor and has the same 9.7" Retina display with 2048 x 1536 pixels. Due to land on 5 February, the new model will be available in Wi-Fi (£639) and Wi-Fi+Cellular (£739) versions.

The new iPad offers extra storage capacity for users looking for more than 64 GB of onboard memory. However, it could still prove to be a pricier option than getting a 64 GB Android tablet and a 64 GB microSD card. You can pick up the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 (1920 x 1200 pixels) and a 64 GB memory card for about the same money, and there are no doubt cheaper options out there. Note, however, that Microsoft's upcoming 128 GB Surface Pro tablet on Windows 8 has been announced in the US at $999 (UK pricing TBC) compared with $799 for the Wi-Fi-only 128 GB iPad or $929 for the Wi-Fi+Cellular version.

Could Apple's move prompt Samsung, Asus, Acer and more manufacturers to follow suit with high-capacity tablets? And could that be why we're seeing fewer Android tablets with microSD card slots these days? We may well find out more at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona next month.